Ritchie Jones
Encyclopedia
Richard Glynn "Ritchie" Jones (born 26 September 1986 in Manchester
) is an English
footballer. He is a midfielder
, preferring to play in the centre of midfield. He now plays for Bradford City
after he rejected a contract extension from Oldham Athletic
, whom he joined on a free transfer from Hartlepool United
in July 2010. He is a product of the Manchester United
youth system.
A Manchester United player from the age of nine, Jones made five appearances for the Manchester United
first team, playing in the FA Cup and League Cup. During his time at United, he also went on loan to a number of lower league teams in order to gain first team experience. He has made league starts for Colchester United
and Barnsley
in 2006–07, Yeovil Town
in the 2007–08 season and, in 2006, went on loan to Belgium
's Royal Antwerp for a month.
in 2003, beating Preston in the final. He captained United's Youth Cup team and was part of the United reserve side that won four trophies in 2004–05, and three trophies in 2005–06.
first team five times during his career with the club. He made his senior debut for United on 26 October 2005 in a Carling Cup
game against Barnet. Jones was also named as a substitute in a Champions league game away to French team Lille
. This was followed by a place on the bench against Aston Villa
in the Premier League, and then another appearance away to Birmingham in the League Cup.
His next appearance was in a highly emotional night against West Bromwich Albion
at Old Trafford
, when he came on for the last half hour and almost scored in a game that was dedicated to the late George Best
. His last appearance before going on loan for first team experience was away to Burton Albion
in the FA Cup
, although the match ended as a scoreless draw. In the 2004–05 season, Jones played for United's reserve side in the Central League and the Premier Reserve League, both of which United won. His goals also helped United get to the final of two cup competitions.
In August 2006, Don Howe, ex Arsenal Manager, wrote about Jones in The Telegraph commenting on his ability, versatility and praise for his United performances.
club Royal Antwerp, in order to gain further first team experience. However, after playing just two games for Antwerp, his loan spell was cut short to provide cover for an injury-hit United midfield.
At the start of the 2006–07 season, Jones made two more first team appearances, playing in pre-season friendlies against Preston North End
and Macclesfield Town
, in which he was credited with an assist for Wayne Rooney
's goal. He then played in United's 2–1 League Cup win over Crewe Alexandra
, in which his cross set up Ole Gunnar Solskjær
to score United's first goal.
In October 2006, he was loaned to Colchester United
for a month to provide cover for injuries at the Championship club. His performances earned him praise from the Colchester United manager, Geraint Williams
, saying Jones was a credit to his club, and though Jones expressed a desire to remain at Colchester, he returned to Manchester United at the end of his loan. In February 2007, he joined fellow Manchester United youngster Adam Eckersley on loan at Barnsley
until 7 May 2007. He was given the number 10 shirt, and made four appearances for the Tykes before returning to Manchester United.
At the start of the 2007–08 season, Jones played in a pre-season friendly alongside Owen Hargreaves in midfield against Peterborough United. Manchester United won 3–1, with Jones scoring one of the goals..
However, on 14 August 2007, Jones signed for Yeovil Town
on a short term loan until 31 December 2007 to gain further first team football. He made his debut for Yeovil on 18 August 2007 against Port Vale. It was his cross that led to the only goal in a 1–0 win for Yeovil. On 28 December 2007, Jones returned to Manchester United
as planned to compete for his place in United's first team.
In March 2008, Jones went on trial with Championship side Burnley
for a week. Burnley manager Owen Coyle
said he liked the look of Jones, but felt it inappropriate to say any more while Jones is under contract at another club.
on a free transfer. He came second in an end-of-season fans vote for 'Young Player of the Year', resulting in Hartlepool taking up their option to extend Jones' contract to the end of the 2009–10 season. On 12 May 2010, Jones was granted a free transfer from Hartlepool United.
, with the option to extend the deal by a further year, becoming Paul Dickov
's first signing as Oldham manager.
It was reported that Jones had also been offered contracts by a Championship
team and two other League One
sides.
On 9 May 2011, Jones declined Oldham's offer of a one-year extension to his contract, despite Dickov's keenness to keep him on. The two parties then agreed that Jones would leave on a free transfer at the end of his current contract.
at every level from Under-15 to Under-20, scoring the winning goal for the Under-17 side in the Nordic Championship final in Sweden. He was a member of the England Under-19 squad that reached the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
in July 2005, before losing out to France. He acted as captain during some of these matches.
In 2010 Trevor Brooking, Director of football development at the FA, cited Ritchie Jones in a newspaper article regarding the situation with the England National Team. He stated "A classic example is the 2005 England U19 tournament team, none of whom is anywhere near the full national team now at the age of 24 [...] Typical is skipper Ritchie Jones, who was then at Manchester United but is now a midfielder at Oldham. One crucial reason is that Premier League clubs are not willing to trust in local youth in the way that other countries do".
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
) is an English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
footballer. He is a midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
, preferring to play in the centre of midfield. He now plays for Bradford City
Bradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
after he rejected a contract extension from Oldham Athletic
Oldham Athletic A.F.C.
Oldham Athletic Association Football Club is an English association football club based at Boundary Park, on Sheepfoot Lane in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The club currently competes in the Football League One, the third tier of the English league...
, whom he joined on a free transfer from Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
in July 2010. He is a product of the Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
youth system.
A Manchester United player from the age of nine, Jones made five appearances for the Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
first team, playing in the FA Cup and League Cup. During his time at United, he also went on loan to a number of lower league teams in order to gain first team experience. He has made league starts for Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
and Barnsley
Barnsley F.C.
Barnsley Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Nicknamed the Tykes, they were founded in 1887 under the name Barnsley St. Peter's...
in 2006–07, Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
in the 2007–08 season and, in 2006, went on loan to Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
's Royal Antwerp for a month.
Early career
Jones was a member of the Manchester United F.C. Academy from the age of nine, and scored the golden goal to win the Milk CupMilk Cup
The Milk Cup is an international youth football tournament held annually in Northern Ireland. The cup matches are mainly played in the North Coast area of Northern Ireland, with matches taking place in the towns of Portrush, Portstewart, Castlerock, Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena and...
in 2003, beating Preston in the final. He captained United's Youth Cup team and was part of the United reserve side that won four trophies in 2004–05, and three trophies in 2005–06.
Senior debut
Jones appeared for the Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
first team five times during his career with the club. He made his senior debut for United on 26 October 2005 in a Carling Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
game against Barnet. Jones was also named as a substitute in a Champions league game away to French team Lille
Lille OSC
LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the...
. This was followed by a place on the bench against Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
in the Premier League, and then another appearance away to Birmingham in the League Cup.
His next appearance was in a highly emotional night against West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
, when he came on for the last half hour and almost scored in a game that was dedicated to the late George Best
George Best
George Best was a professional footballer from Northern Ireland, who played for Manchester United and the Northern Ireland national team. He was a winger whose game combined pace, acceleration, balance, two-footedness, goalscoring and the ability to beat defenders...
. His last appearance before going on loan for first team experience was away to Burton Albion
Burton Albion F.C.
Burton Albion Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club's home ground is the Pirelli Stadium, having moved from Eton Park in 2005...
in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
, although the match ended as a scoreless draw. In the 2004–05 season, Jones played for United's reserve side in the Central League and the Premier Reserve League, both of which United won. His goals also helped United get to the final of two cup competitions.
In August 2006, Don Howe, ex Arsenal Manager, wrote about Jones in The Telegraph commenting on his ability, versatility and praise for his United performances.
Loans
In January 2006, Jones was sent on loan to Manchester United's "feeder club", Belgian Second DivisionBelgian Second Division
The Belgian Second Division is the second-highest division in the Belgian football league system after the Belgian Pro League. It was created by the Belgian Football Association in 1905. Between 2008 and 2010 it was named EXQI League after a television channel owned by the league main sponsor,...
club Royal Antwerp, in order to gain further first team experience. However, after playing just two games for Antwerp, his loan spell was cut short to provide cover for an injury-hit United midfield.
At the start of the 2006–07 season, Jones made two more first team appearances, playing in pre-season friendlies against Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
and Macclesfield Town
Macclesfield Town F.C.
Macclesfield Town Football Club is an English football team. The club was formed in 1874 and is based in the town of Macclesfield in Cheshire. The team play its home games at the 6,355 capacity Moss Rose stadium...
, in which he was credited with an assist for Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Mark Rooney is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team...
's goal. He then played in United's 2–1 League Cup win over Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
, in which his cross set up Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Ole Gunnar Solskjær is the manager of Norwegian first division side Molde. He is better known as a former footballer who spent most of his career playing for Manchester United. Often dubbed "the baby-faced assassin," he played 366 times for the Red Devils and scored 126 goals during a very...
to score United's first goal.
In October 2006, he was loaned to Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
for a month to provide cover for injuries at the Championship club. His performances earned him praise from the Colchester United manager, Geraint Williams
Geraint Williams
David Geraint Williams is a former professional footballer who also played for Wales. He has also managed Colchester United and Leyton Orient.- Career :...
, saying Jones was a credit to his club, and though Jones expressed a desire to remain at Colchester, he returned to Manchester United at the end of his loan. In February 2007, he joined fellow Manchester United youngster Adam Eckersley on loan at Barnsley
Barnsley F.C.
Barnsley Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Nicknamed the Tykes, they were founded in 1887 under the name Barnsley St. Peter's...
until 7 May 2007. He was given the number 10 shirt, and made four appearances for the Tykes before returning to Manchester United.
At the start of the 2007–08 season, Jones played in a pre-season friendly alongside Owen Hargreaves in midfield against Peterborough United. Manchester United won 3–1, with Jones scoring one of the goals..
However, on 14 August 2007, Jones signed for Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
on a short term loan until 31 December 2007 to gain further first team football. He made his debut for Yeovil on 18 August 2007 against Port Vale. It was his cross that led to the only goal in a 1–0 win for Yeovil. On 28 December 2007, Jones returned to Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
as planned to compete for his place in United's first team.
In March 2008, Jones went on trial with Championship side Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
for a week. Burnley manager Owen Coyle
Owen Coyle
Owen Columba Coyle is a Scottish-born Irish international former professional player and professional association football manager . He is currently the manager of Bolton Wanderers....
said he liked the look of Jones, but felt it inappropriate to say any more while Jones is under contract at another club.
Hartlepool United
On 27 June 2008, it was announced that Jones was to be released by Manchester United at the end of his contract on 30 June. On 4 July 2008, Jones signed for Hartlepool UnitedHartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
on a free transfer. He came second in an end-of-season fans vote for 'Young Player of the Year', resulting in Hartlepool taking up their option to extend Jones' contract to the end of the 2009–10 season. On 12 May 2010, Jones was granted a free transfer from Hartlepool United.
Oldham Athletic
Two months later, on 7 July 2010, Jones signed a one-year contract with Oldham AthleticOldham Athletic A.F.C.
Oldham Athletic Association Football Club is an English association football club based at Boundary Park, on Sheepfoot Lane in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The club currently competes in the Football League One, the third tier of the English league...
, with the option to extend the deal by a further year, becoming Paul Dickov
Paul Dickov
Paul Dickov is a retired Scottish footballer, turned manager who is currently in charge of League One side Oldham Athletic...
's first signing as Oldham manager.
It was reported that Jones had also been offered contracts by a Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
team and two other League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
sides.
On 9 May 2011, Jones declined Oldham's offer of a one-year extension to his contract, despite Dickov's keenness to keep him on. The two parties then agreed that Jones would leave on a free transfer at the end of his current contract.
Bradford City
On 13 July 2011, Jones joined Bradford City on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.International career
Jones has also played for EnglandEngland national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
at every level from Under-15 to Under-20, scoring the winning goal for the Under-17 side in the Nordic Championship final in Sweden. He was a member of the England Under-19 squad that reached the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
The European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
in July 2005, before losing out to France. He acted as captain during some of these matches.
In 2010 Trevor Brooking, Director of football development at the FA, cited Ritchie Jones in a newspaper article regarding the situation with the England National Team. He stated "A classic example is the 2005 England U19 tournament team, none of whom is anywhere near the full national team now at the age of 24 [...] Typical is skipper Ritchie Jones, who was then at Manchester United but is now a midfielder at Oldham. One crucial reason is that Premier League clubs are not willing to trust in local youth in the way that other countries do".
External links
- Ritchie Jones profile at Vital Hartlepool
- Profile at hartlepoolunited.co.uk
- Profile at StretfordEnd.co.uk
- Profile at MUFCInfo.com